Philippines Actor – Piolo Pascual

Intense and irresistible are the only ways to describe Piolo Pascual. Stealing thousands of women’s hearts in the Philippines, Piolo is indeed one man audiences just can’t refuse.

Piolo Pascual, who’s the embodiment of success in local show business in the Philippines today, believes that the answer is predestination. A quick background check on his show biz history supports his position: In his early teen years, he became a part of “That’s Entertainment” but his career failed to take off.

After high school, he joined UST’s theater group, Teatro Tomasino, and soon found himself in a children’s show on Channel 2 in the Philippines, “Atbp.”

Then he made it to the giant network’s Star Circle, Batch 3. But before he could catch up with his more popular contemporaries, Piolo chose to live with his mom in the United States, where he did a string of odd jobs instead of pursuing a college degree. Then he made the decision that changed his life forever. He went back to the Philippines and picked up from where he had left off. He finally got his break in the weekly miniseries, “Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako,” (The Moment You Need Me) and in “Lagarista.”

Piolo’s short stint in the soap “Esperanza” led to his pairing with the popular Judy Ann Santos. A couple of hits and some strategic career-management planning later, Piolo is the hot young actor in the Philippines.

“We make our own destiny,” he nods, shifting his attention away from his laptop, which he brings to his tapings, to reply to our query. “But everything comes from God.”

The 26-year-old actor-singer shares that he’s humbled by his achievements. Each time that he accomplishes something-a box-office hit, top-rating TV show, concert, recording or an acting award-Piolo feels that there’s a higher being responsible for all the good things that are happening in his life. This realization has redefined his spirituality.

Piolo now tries his best to faithfully attend his Church’s Sunday service, and also to read the Bible and pray more.

“He’s been so good to me,” he says. “Honestly, I don’t feel I deserve all these blessings. But I savor each one of them and I treat it as a gift. Now I want to be a living example of God’s goodness.”

Piolo is one of the busiest stars in Asia. Piolo and Judy Ann, recently completed a new movie titled “Picture Mom.”

Piolo also sings. It’s a little difficult telling how good a singer he is, what with the way his voice is being drowned out by the deafening screams of his fans. But music industry heavies believe in his potential. His eponymous debut album is quickly turning gold. But he hastens to add that a follow-up is not in the works yet. In fact, it may take a while before he goes back to the recording studios.

Piolo, you see, is a cautious person. If he feels he can’t handle a responsibility, he won’t hesitate to say no. For instance, he’s been offered to do either a solo or a back-to-back concert this year, but he opted for a smaller participation as a guest artist. This attitude almost cost him his Jules role in “Dekada ’70.” Piolo declined the offer by Star Cinema because he felt he couldn’t do it. Fortunately, he set aside his fears and let his theistic instincts rule. Winning the Best Supporting Actor award forces him to always be at his theistic best.

“Nakakatakot kasi (It’s scary) to prove that I deserve it,” he acknowledges. “But I love my craft, and that will be my motivation for the new assignments I take on.”

Piolo may be destined to be a successful young star, but he certainly worked hard for the fulfillment of his dream.